Lela's Bakery in Central Islip serves up sweets, a sense of community

Marvin Ramírez came to America from San Pedro, Honduras, looking to continue his career as a baker and give his family a chance at achieving the "American dream." Ramirez loves what he does at Lela's Bakery in Central Islip, making desserts and pastries for a community that wants a delicious taste of home. (Credit: Marisol Diaz)

At Lela’s Bakery in Central Islip, the bright, fuchsia-colored panes dulces — or sugary breads — are less colorful than the personalities of the people who work there.

The bakers, cooks and front-of-the house staff who are immigrants from El Salvador and Honduras make Lela’s, a bakery that specializes in Central American breads, cakes and sweet treats, more of a boisterous community watering hole than a business.

In the kitchen, laughter and a constant string of anecdotes shared by cooks Maritza Lizama and Alberto Gutierrez, and bakers Candy and Herson Giovany Hernandez compete with the loud sounds of the flour mixer. The smells of fresh bread and other sweets rising in the oven permeate the air.

As they walk through the bakery’s doors, most customers are greeted not only with a smile but by first name, their usual orders mouthed to them before they get a chance to say them. They’re offered cafecito, or small shots of coffee, told about the specials and asked about husbands. And wives. And kids. And pets. And jobs.

Husband-and-wife proprietors José and Ana Vasquez, who are also Salvadoran and live in Central Islip, said they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I want every person that walks through those doors to feel comfortable and feel safe, you know, to feel like they’re part of our family,” said Ana, who along with José opened Lela’s, which she named after their daughter, three years ago.

Photo Credit: Marisol Diaz

Husband-and-wife owners of Lela's Bakery, Ana and José Vasquez, show off their concha bread and doughnuts.